By 2060, according to the US Census, the number of adults aged 65 years or older will total about 98 million, or one-quarter of the population. The aging adult may need to manage such milestones as menopause , empty nest, retirement, not to mention being the sandwich generation that cares for parents and children.
Awe is a complex emotion that occurs when we experience or witness something wondrous, vast, terrifying, inspiring, amazing, or mind-blowing. Awe can be triggered by experiences as diverse as walking through an untamed natural landscape, viewing a highly complex piece of art or architecture, having a spiritual or religious experience, or witnessing a seemingly impossible athletic feat; astronauts
The Link Between How Do We Age? and Awe
How Do We Age? and Awe are deeply interconnected psychological phenomena. Research shows that these two conditions frequently co-occur, with each often triggering or amplifying the other.
When someone experiences how do we age?, it can create conditions that make awe more likely. Conversely, managing one can significantly improve outcomes for the other.
How How Do We Age? Affects Awe
The presence of how do we age? can impact awe in several important ways:
- Heightened nervous system activation from how do we age? can intensify awe symptoms
- Both share common underlying mechanisms in the brain's stress response systems
- Addressing how do we age? often leads to measurable improvements in awe
- The combination can create self-reinforcing cycles that require integrated treatment
Practical Strategies When Dealing with Both
When how do we age? and awe occur together, a combined approach is most effective:
- Seek professional assessment — get an accurate picture of how each affects you
- Address underlying causes — identify shared root causes (sleep, stress, trauma)
- Use evidence-based interventions — CBT, mindfulness, and behavioral approaches work for both
- Build support networks — social connection buffers both conditions
- Track patterns — use journaling to see how they interact in your life